This smart little collection of 125 pages of poetry and prose written work helps to define a tone and mastery of language which Polish poets have often exemplified. This is unfortunately less known by those who are not of the Polish culture or do not know any who are. I say unfortunately because some of this work which covers over five hundred years of writing is fantastic, powerful and emotional. Making it worthy of a read by any would-be poet, to any one interesting in the romantic movement.
From Jan Kochanowski’s (1530-1584) beautiful and yet naturalistic poetic prose, to Adam Mickiewicz’s (1798-1855) adoring words of kisses and uncertain friendships. All the way to more contemporary Polish poets such as Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński (1905-1953) and Halina Poświatowska (1935-1967). This little book shows the Polish passion for words and expression.
Miroslaw Lipinski has done a brilliant job editing and translating from Polish into English, keeping the original rhyme scheme, and where possible even keeping the syllable count. This is made all the more evident and impressive because the poems are printed next to their original Polish version. Allowing you to compare and see how it was written first. Adding a new element to the poems themselves. This book itself is of the collection which includes a book per language of love poems. For example: Treasury of African love poems & proverbs, Treasury of German love poems, quotations & proverbs, and so on. So if anyone is wishing to delve into a little loving language of another culture without needing to fear the fact they don’t know it: don’t let that stop you when these books and this series exist.
